Commonwealth Fisheries Policy Statement

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​​The Commonwealth Fisheries Policy Statement sets out the Australian Government's objectives for the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. The statement outlines the government's approach to managing fisheries and the marine environment. The statement establishes a set of guiding principles which will help inform the Australian Government's approach to fisheries management, policy and program design.

The statement highlights the shared nature of Australia's marine resources, the government's efforts to maximise the benefits for all Australians, and the importance of the continued sustainability of the marine environment.

Foreword

Australians love to fish and Australians love to eat seafood.

Our love of fishing and seafood is at the very heart of our nation and this policy statement.

Approximately 3.4 million Australians are regular fishers, and on average, every one of us eats 140 serves of seafood every year.

In stating our fisheries policy, the Turnbull Government is making sure Australians are able to catch and eat seafood— today and in the future.

Our fisheries are an important resource that must be carefully and sustainably managed for future generations. We must base our decisions on the best available evidence and scientific data.

Our fisheries are owned by all Australians and shared between numerous stakeholders. Commercial and recreational fishing generates billions of dollars for our economy, especially for regional communities. We must explore all opportunities to sustainably grow the economic return from our fisheries.

Australians delight in our safe, high-quality seafood and they expect it to be harvested in an environmentally responsible manner. We must ensure a healthy marine environment. We must ensure no overfishing occurs. We must ensure everyone is committed to sustainability. We must continue to drive innovation and adoption of new technologies, in the effort to maintain healthy fish stocks and look after the marine environment.

This statement confirms the Turnbull Government's commitment—our aspirations for Australia's fishing and aquaculture sector; our support for the right of every Australian to go fishing; and our dedication to an effective legislative and regulatory framework to ensure our fisheries remain sustainable and profitable into the future.

Senator the Hon. Anne RustonAssistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources ​

Principles

The Australian Government's approach to management of Commonwealth fisheries is based on the right of Australians today and in the future, to fish and have access to safe, high-quality seafood, sourced from our sustainably managed fisheries.

The government's position is guided by these principles:

Sustainability—our fisheries are managed in a manner consistent with the principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development, with no overfishing and the recovery of overfished stocks.

Science-based decision-making—fisheries management decisions are based on the best available science.

Rights-based fisheries management—through the use of statutory fishing rights, with a preference for individual transferable quotas, and fisheries managed using output controls.

Maximising utilisation and productivity—we develop our fisheries and aquaculture to maximise the net economic return to the Australian community.

Regulatory effectiveness and cost recovery—regulatory and cost recovery requirements that are fit for purpose.

Transparency in decision-making—decisions are made in consultation with all relevant stakeholders.

Meeting our international obligations—our fisheries are managed in a manner that is consistent with Australia's international obligations, emphasising cooperation in the management of highly migratory and shared fish stocks.

Stamping out illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing—we will continue to fight and prosecute illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and implement international agreements that help close loopholes exploited by those who threaten our fish stocks.

Themes

This Policy framework draws on a number of themes.

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Fishing is part of our culture

Commonwealth fisheries generally extend from three nautical miles to the 200 nautical mile limit of Australia's Exclusive Economic Zone.

Approximately 300 boats operate in Commonwealth fisheries, with more than 14,000 people directly employed by the commercial fishing and aquaculture sectors. Many of these jobs are based in regional areas.

Australia has approximately 3.4 million recreational fishers, who predominantly fish within state and territory marine boundaries.

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, fish often have a cultural significance.

Our fisheries belong to all Australians

Our shared marine resources belong to all Australians and are managed for the benefit of current and future generations.

The Australian Government continually reviews its regulations, consults on levies and improves access to online resources, applications, reporting and payment systems— to reduce red tape and compliance costs.

Offshore Constitutional Settlement arrangements are used to jointly manage fisheries with the states and the Northern Territory.

Australia—a regional leader in best practice

Australia engages in international fishing forums to secure the interests of our domestic fishing industry.

Australia is a party to six treaties and agreements establishing regional fisheries management organisations to improve regional fisheries management standards.

Australia seeks to ensure responsible and sustainable fishing by other countries— particularly of stocks important to our own domestic fishing industry.

Australia deploys various agencies and engages internationally to ensure Australian sovereignty over the Australian Fishing Zone and to protect it from illegal fishing.​

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.